The Stranger

32. Delilah

Chapter 32

Delilah

“ H ave I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Spencer asks, reaching across the centre console for one of my hands that are fidgeting in my lap.

“Twice,” I reply, glancing over at him with a smile.

“When you stepped off the elevator, and I first saw what you were wearing, I almost swallowed my damn tongue. You looked like a Victoria’s Secret model the way you strutted across the foyer.” He shakes his head like he’s imagining it in real time. “So fucking sexy. I’ve had a semi ever since.”

I believe what he’s saying because I saw the look of pure lust in his eyes as I approached him. His expression made me feel like a goddess.

When Eloise found out about tonight, she said she wanted to make sure I was dressed to kill. I know her motives behind today were aimed at my sister and Kayne, but all that matters to me is what her son thinks. Those other two are not worth my time.

Tonight, I’m wearing a designer aqua blue, strapless, bustier gown, compliments of my Fairy Godmother— namely Spencer’s mother—and holy moly, she didn’t disappoint.

The bodice is tightfitting and flares out at the waist into a flirty miniskirt in front, with a longer, feathery layered back. My legs are bare and my heels match the colour of my dress perfectly.

Although I’m short in stature, the amount of leg on display, and the style of the dress, make them appear so much longer than they are.

I spent the afternoon at Eloise’s place, accompanied by her stylist, hairdresser, and makeup artist. They transformed my long blonde hair into loose flowing waves that cascade down my back, almost reaching my waist. My eye makeup is more dramatic than my usual style, with a dark smoky shadow that beautifully complements the blue dress I’m wearing, but also makes the colour of my eyes more vivid.

By the time they were done working their magic, I barely recognised myself. It was a Pretty Woman moment, and I’d never felt more beautiful in my life. The dress I’m wearing is sexier than anything I’ve ever worn before, but it’s still tastefully classy.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I tell him as I move our conjoined hands to rub over his semihard dick.

It’s my first time seeing him in a tuxedo, and hot damn. I’m torn about which form of him I like best. Three-piece suit Spencer, casually dressed Spencer, naked Spencer, or this version.

“I’d pull over to the side of the road and fuck you right now if I could, but you’re too pretty to mess up. Rest assured, the gloves are coming off as soon as we get home, though. I’m looking forward to unwrapping you.”

“Something to look forward to,” I say .

He doesn’t let go of my hand, which I’m grateful for. He feels like my lifeline, and the closer we get to the venue, the more anxious I become.

“I can feel your hand shaking in mine. It’s not too late to turn around.”

“No, I need to do this. Rip the Band-Aid off, so to speak. I’ve been avoiding these people since the breakup … it’s time. In saying that, though, I don’t think I’d be able to go through with tonight if I didn’t have you.”

“Don’t underestimate your own strength, Delilah. I’ve seen firsthand how incredibly resilient you are.”

He lifts my hand to his mouth and places a soft kiss on my knuckles. “I love you, Spencer Prescott,” I say.

Despite both of us acknowledging that we were falling for each other a few months ago, it wasn’t until the other night that Spencer looked deep into my eyes and uttered the actual words. We were in his giant bathtub, and he was buried deep inside my body as I straddled his lap. I don’t know why I didn’t reciprocate them at the time because I already knew I felt the same way, but in this moment, I feel like it’s something I need him to know.

“Sweetheart,” he breathes, taking his eyes off the road to briefly meet mine. “I love you too. So fucking much. I swear, if anyone upsets you tonight, I’m not sure how I’m going to react.”

“You will act like the perfect gentleman I know you to be.”

He chuckles under his breath. “I believe you were present when I clocked my father on the jaw.”

“Yikes. I forgot about that one. Please don’t clock anyone tonight. The last thing I want to do is start trouble … it’s only going to give them something else to hate me for. ”

“For you, I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

“Thank you. Although, if my sister or any of her equally skanky friends set their sights on you, there may be a catfight in my foreseeable future.”

He tosses back his head and laughs. “Now that I would like to see.”

The first thing I notice when we reach the room where the party is being held is the large piece of glass propped on a wooden easel. There is a halo of fresh white roses and greenery surrounding it. “We are engaged. Let’s celebrate Kayne and Abigail” is painted onto the surface.

As we enter the function room, Spencer’s hand tightens in mine as he leans in and whispers, “Breathe, sweetheart. Don’t let these people make you feel any less than the queen you are.”

Seriously, this man. How did I get so lucky?

The lavish decorations inside don’t surprise me. It’s always been the best for Abigail. It’s a stark contrast to the backyard barbeque Kayne and I had when we got engaged.

In front of us is a large archway of gold and white balloons, with warm fairy lights threaded throughout. The gold sequined backdrop sparkles under the lights, and the neon sign that sits in the centre reads “Engaged” .

The table settings are equally beautiful, with more fresh roses and extravagant candelabras sitting in the centre. The chairs are covered in white silk, with thick gold bows tied around each one. It seems more fitting for a wedding reception.

My immediate thought is, I wonder who’s footing the bill . My parents, Kayne’s, or Abigail’s Only Fans clients? Either way, it would’ve cost a pretty penny.

We move further into the room, and I don’t know where to go or who to see. I’m probably the only person here tonight who isn’t truly welcome. That sentiment only amplifies when I hear a few whispers from the guests as we pass.

“Is that Delilah? Holy shit!”

“Wow, she’s the last person I expected to see tonight.”

“Who’s that guy with her?”

“It’s kind of tacky that she’s here with a date.”

Personally, I find it tackier that my sister is now engaged to my ex-fiancé.

Spencer lets go of my hand and drapes his arm over my shoulder, pulling me protectively into his side. “Ignore them,” he growls.

My eyes move around the room and I spot my parents, so I manoeuvre us in their direction. They’re my safest bet.

“Oh my God,” I hear one of Abigail’s equally bitchy friends squeal as we pass. “Who is that hottie with Delilah?”

“It’s her fake boyfriend.”

“Good to know, because I’ve just decided I’m going home with him tonight.”

“Not if I get in first.”

They sound like dogs on heat, and the only person going home with this man tonight is me.

“Ignore them too,” I grumble.

“They don’t stand a chance when I have the prettiest woman in the room on my arm.”

“Aww,” I coo.

“It’s the truth, Delilah,” he replies as he leans down to place a chaste kiss on the side of my head. “You run rings around them all.”

I place my hand on my mother’s arm when we reach my parents. “Mum.”

She turns around and looks visibly shocked once she realises it’s me. Her hands move to grasp my upper arms as she leans back and eyes me up and down. “Lilah … you look stunning,” she says before giving me a brief hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. We’ve missed you.” I’d like to think that’s true, and tonight I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. “It’s nice to see you again, Spencer,” she adds.

While Spencer greets my mother, I turn my attention to my father.“Hi, Dad.”

His eyes scan the length of my body and when he frowns, I know he’s not going to compliment me like my mother did. “That dress is far too short, Delilah,” he scolds.

His abrupt words sting. This is the first time I’ve seen him since I moved out—which was months ago—so a hello shouldn’t be too much to ask.

My sister wears skimpier dresses daily.

Spencer growls beside me, which gains my father’s attention. “Prescott,” he grumbles.

“St. James,” Spencer retorts.

Yikes.

We’ve been here less than five minutes and things are already going downhill.

Abigail is next to join the family reunion, followed closely by her scumbag fiancé.

“Delilah,” she mumbles, eyeing me from head to toe. “Nice dress.” There’s venom laced in her words, which, in a way, pleases me. Her bitchy tone and attitude scream one thing: jealousy.

Mission accomplished, Eloise .

“Wow,” Kayne whistles from beside my sister. “Look at you. I hardly recognise you, Li. You look?—”

“Taken,” Spencer barks, pulling me back into his side. “So, I suggest you put those leery eyes of yours back in your head where they belong.”

That earns Kayne a punch in the shoulder from my sister. “Seriously, Kayne,” she snaps before turning and storming away.

After our disastrous arrival, I decided it was wise to keep to ourselves. We retreated to our table and have remained there since … it was for the best.

Eyes have been on us all night. I noticed Kayne staring at me countless times, which I ignored. I don’t know what his problem is.

On two occasions, I caught his mother sending me what could best be described as death stares across the room. I’m not sure what I did to deserve those, but it may have something to do with the cease-and-desist letter Spencer’s lawyer sent to the dental clinic.

Either way, no love was lost there.

It was the shameless women fawning all over my date that got under my skin the most. Spencer seemed oblivious to the attention he was gaining from every female in the vicinity. He was too preoccupied with me.

His subtle caresses, or the way he kept constantly leaning in to place soft kisses on my bare shoulder, or when he buried his face in the crook of my neck. It had my blood running hot. I was desperate for the night to be over. I know we could leave, but the stubborn part of me didn’t want to give them the satisfaction.

Once the dinner service is over, the DJ starts playing music. My sister and all her love-me-do friends are strutting their stuff on the dance floor.

“Do you want to dance?” I ask Spencer.

“To this? Not in your life. Ask me again when a slow song comes on.”

“Right … I forgot.”

“Forgot what?”

“About those old hips of yours.”

When I laugh, he leans in and whispers, “I’m going to spank your sweet arse when we get home for that.”

“I look forward to it, Mr Prescott.”

“Fuck, Delilah,” he groans, tipping his head back and sliding his hand under the table to adjust himself. “You are not helping with my little … problem.”

“Little?”

“You know what I mean.”

I lean forward and place my lips on his. “There’s nothing little about the monstrosity in your pants.”

One of his eyebrows springs up. “Monstrosity?”

“Yes, but don’t worry, I happen to be very fond of that appendage.”

“Is that so?” he asks, grinning.

“Yes.”

He leans in and burrows his face in the crook of my neck again. “I need to be inside you badly right now,” he growls, and his warm breath skating over my skin makes it pebble with goose bumps.

“I have a plan that might rectify that,” I say.

He draws back and eyes me sceptically. “What type of plan? It doesn’t involve going out there, does it?” he asks, jutting his chin towards the dance floor.

I push back my chair and stand before leaning down and whispering in his ear, “I noticed a door on the way in … it had janitor written on it. Fingers crossed it’s un locked.” When I pull back slightly and waggle my eyebrows, his face lights up.

He leaps to his feet and reaches for my hand. “Lead the way.”

“This evening has turned out to be a major bore. It’s time we made our own fun.”

“I like the way you think, sweetheart.”

When we enter the hallway, I scan our surroundings to make sure nobody is nearby before I reach for the doorknob and turn it. “It’s unlocked,” I squeak.

I immediately open it and drag him inside. Spencer wastes no time closing it behind him. What we are doing feels naughty and wrong, but oh so thrilling. I’ve never done anything this daring before.

We are now shrouded in darkness, but I hear a distinct click of the lock over the rapid beating of my heart. I blindly reach out and when I feel what I think is his elbow, I wrap my fingers around it.

“It’s so dark,” I whisper. “I can’t see a thing.”

“Hold on. I’m feeling around for the light switch now. There,” he says a few seconds later and the small space is suddenly flooded with light.

When his beautiful face comes into view, I smile up at him. “Hi.”

He reaches for me, tugging me closer. “Did you bring your lipstick with you?”

“Yes, why?” I ask, confused as I hold up my clutch.

“Good,” he replies. “Because I’ve been dying to do this since the second you stepped off the elevator this afternoon.”

He leans down and crashes his lips into mine. The kiss he delivers is savage and unrelenting as he devours me like I’m the air that he breathes and without this, he’ll perish .

I’m here for the ride.

I push onto my toes as my hands reach up to gasp at the short hairs on the back of his head. “Spencer,” I moan into his mouth.

“Delilah,” he groans in reply as he backs me into the closest wall. His hands move from my waist, down and over my hips, before sliding underneath my dress. He cups my lace-covered butt cheeks with his large hands and lifts me off my feet. “Wrap your legs around me, sweetheart.”

I swoon a little on the inside every time he calls me sweetheart.

Following his request, I dig the heels of my shoes in to anchor myself in place. His fingers slide underneath the lace, moving between my legs to where I’m now throbbing. “Fuck, you’re soaked.”

“Because I need you, Spencer. It’s all I’ve been able to think about.”

“I wanted to wait until we were home so I could take my time with you, but I don’t think I can.”

“I don’t want you to take your time … later, yes. Right now, I just need it hard and fast. Do you think you could do that?”

“I … fuck, I didn’t bring a condom. I purposely left them at home so I wouldn’t be tempted to dirty you up.”

I clutch either side of his face. “I want to be dirtied up, Spencer. My clutch … I dropped it on the floor. There’s one in there.”

“You brought a condom with you? Why?”

“Hello. I saw the way your eyes gobbled me up back at the apartment. Excuse me for having the foresight to think ahead.”

“The way I gobbled you up with my eyes,” he says, chuckling. “You are too adorable for your own good. ”

“And that monstrosity in your pants is currently going to waste by all this unnecessary chatter.”

He barks out a laugh as he places me on my feet and reaches down to swipe my clutch off the floor. When he unclips the clasp and sees the accordion of rubbers I placed inside, his eyes snap back to me.

“Someone was getting a little ahead of themselves.”

“You’re the one who claims—despite your age—to have stamina in spades, Mr Prescott.”

“You just earned yourself another spanking for that comment.”

I beam up at him. “Goody, I can’t wait.”

He leans in to rest his forehead against mine. “Jesus, Delilah, what am I going to do with you?”

“Fuck me, I hope. You can save the spanking until we get home.”

He growls as he tears off a condom, unzips his trousers, and sheaths himself to the hilt. When he lifts me again, he uses his upper body to hold me to the wall as he delves back under my dress to push my underwear to the side.

“Buckle up, princess,” he says as he runs the head of his dick through my slick heat, coating himself. “I’m about to rock your world.”

“Now who’s getting ahead of themselves?”

“I’ve just added another spanking to the list.”

“I was hoping—” a long, drawn-out moan cuts my words off as I’m impaled in the best possible way.

Spencer made sure we were both put back together before we discreetly exited the janitor’s closet like two thieves in the night. He stole one last kiss from me before heading into the men’s restroom, while I made my way towards the ladies.

“If you get out before me, wait right here,” were his parting orders.

The last person I expected to see when I exited a few minutes later was my sister. The moment she saw me, she stormed in my direction.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she declares, grasping my arm and proceeding to drag me further down the corridor towards the exit. “I need a word.”

I try to dig my heels in to stop her from advancing us any further, but it’s fruitless since the floor under my feet is tiled. “If you are planning on killing me and doing away with my body, just know Spencer will come looking for me as soon as he realises I’m missing.”

She turns her head to look at me and rolls her eyes. “You are such a drama llama, Delilah. I’m not going to kill you; I just want to ask you a few questions.”

“If it’s about my and Spencer’s relationship, I have nothing to say … it’s none of your business.”

Does she know what we just got up to in the closet?

“It has nothing to do with your fake relationship … and yes, Mum told me it was all a sham.”

Ugh, of course, she did. “I told her my original post was fake, but things between us have changed. We’re dating now.”

She lets out a sadistic laugh that is borderline manic. “Poor delusional, Delilah. People like Spencer Prescott don’t date losers, little sis.”

“Why do you find that so hard to believe?”

“Do I seriously need to answer that?”

“You know what?” I snarl, trying to tug my arm from her grip. “I’m not doing this with you.”

“Calm down,” she says, tightening her hold on me. “ This will only take a minute.” When we reach the front of the building, she pushes us both through the door and into the frigid night air. Her long catlike claws dig painfully into my arm, and I know they’re going to leave a mark. “What you told me the last time I saw you at the house … about Kayne cheating? Were you telling the truth?”

“Of course I was. I had no reason to lie. I was trying to warn you.”

“You said you have proof.”

“An entire folder full. Including pictures, emails, and texts.”

“Where is it?”

“In my car.”

Her eyes widen. “You brought it with you tonight?”

“Yes, I never know what to expect when I’m around you, so I thought I’d cover all my bases.”

“Aww, poor Delilah,” she mocks. “Always so hard done by.”

“If you insult me one more time, I’m leaving.”

She blows out a puff of air. “Okay, fine. I’m sorry.”

It’s a hollow apology, but it’s more than I usually get from her.

“Can I ask why now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why do you suddenly care? You didn’t seem that perturbed a few months ago.”

She turns her face away from me and stares off into the distance. “A few months ago I didn’t know I was pregnant.”

“You’re pregnant?” I was not expecting her to say that. I take a moment to let her admission sink in. “I bet his parents weren’t impressed with that news … given their religious views and all. ”

“We haven’t told them, and I seriously don’t give a flying fuck what they think. I’m not a huge fan, and Kayne’s mum … she’s such a bible-bashing bitch.”

I’ll give her that. What I’ve found in my years being around Kayne’s family is that sometimes the most God-fearing people can also be the most hateful, cynical and judgemental. She most definitely had her moments where her perfect, holier-than-thou veil would slip. Like the death stares she was giving me tonight.

“This is your engagement party; you’re having his child. If you are worried that I’m going to oust him, don’t be. I’ve made peace with what he did.”

Her tortured blue eyes—which look a lot like mine—move back to me. “I don’t think the baby is his … actually, I’m pretty sure it isn’t.” These two are as bad as each other. Her clawed fingers reach back out to grasp my arms. “I’m trapped in this nightmare, and I don’t know how to get out of it without looking like the bad guy. That’s why I need your help. I have no other options.”

Of course, she wants to be the one left looking squeaky clean. It’s what narcissistic people do. “Are you planning to break things off with Kayne?”

“Yes! Jesus, Delilah, keep up. He’s a whiny man-baby, and I honestly don’t know how you put up with him for four long years.”

“I don’t either, if I’m being honest. The temper tantrums when he didn’t get his way, the mooching … and don’t even get me started on the butt sex.”

She throws her head back and cackles. “You’re too much. That’s one part I didn’t mind.”

“The mooching?”

“No, the butt sex.”

“Eww … you actually like that kind of stuff?”

“Grow up, Delilah. The sweet and innocent act you’ve got going on may initially draw the men in, but nobody wants a prude in the bedroom. Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘A lady in the streets and a freak in the sheets’ ? That’s what men really want from their women.”

“That’s sexist and gross.”

“Whatever,” she says, with a flick of her hand. “You should take that advice moving forward if you don’t want to lose the next one.”

“Hmm,” is my only reply.

“And yes, I hate that Kayne always has his hand out … it pisses me off. I’ve told him countless times to stop freeloading off me and to get a damn job.”

“Let me guess, his response was, ‘I can’t work and study at the same time’ ?”

“Yes,” she says, pointing at me. “I work and study.”

“Your Only Fans page?”

She gasps. “You know about that?”

“My boyfriend is a computer genius, Abby. I know everything. And FYI, Kayne is cheating on you too.”

She screws up her nose. “I figured as much. I saw some sketchy shit on his phone the other week when I was snooping. Will you help me get out of this mess, please?”

I owe this woman nothing, but on the other hand, she is my sister, and pregnant with my niece or nephew.

“I’ll give you everything I have on one condition.”

“Name it.”

“You don’t throw me under the bus.”

“Like literally?”

“No figuratively.” Although I don’t doubt she’d do that given half the chance. “I don’t want anyone to know where you got the information.”

“Cross my heart.”

“I mean it, Abigail. You have an uncanny way of swinging the narrative in your favour and coming out squeaky clean, leaving me looking like the arsehole.”

A smug smile curves across her lips as she blows warm air over the tips of her nails before rubbing them against her chest. “I know, it’s a gift.”

Ugh.

Of course she’d be proud of that fact.

After everything that has happened between us over the years, I don’t know if I can trust her, nevertheless, I turn and start walking towards the car park.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“To the car.”

“Oh.” She quickly falls into step beside me. When we reach my BMW, she lets out a low whistle. “How many vehicles does this man own? This is the fourth one I’ve seen him drive.”

“Actually, this one is mine.”

“Yeah, right,” she scoffs. “As if you could afford something this flashy.”

“Spencer bought it for me. He didn’t want me driving the Mazda anymore.”

“Because he was ashamed of it? Like when he bought you new clothes because he was embarrassed of you.”

She is such a bitch.

“No, because he cares about me and is concerned for my safety … he thought the Mazda was a death trap.”

I don’t bother looking for her reaction, but her silence speaks volumes. I’m guessing her face just turned the same shade of green it did earlier when she got a look at my dress. Call me bitchy, but it’s these subtle moments that give me the warm and fuzzies.

If I wanted to be vindictive and really rub it in, I could’ve pointed out the personalised number plates that came with the vehicle, 4MYLUV, but I don’t .

Removing the fob from my clutch purse, I unlock the car and bend down to reach under the driver’s seat to grab the folder. Spencer doesn’t know I brought it with me tonight. It was purely a safeguard in case things went pear-shaped, but I never expected this.

“I owe you one,” she says, snatching the file from my hand and retreating a few steps. “I’m still pissed at you for Spencer, though.”

She spins abruptly to head back inside and walks straight into a wall of steel. When she stumbles back a step, Spencer reaches out to grasp her elbow, stopping her from falling on her arse.

He spies the file in her hands and his eyes move from her to me. Yikes. He looks extra growly.

I give him a look that hopefully conveys, I’m sorry, I’ll fill you in later .

His accusing eyes move back to my sister. “Why would you be pissed at Delilah?”

“Why wouldn’t I? She knew I wanted you, and she took that from me.”

“I was never yours to take,” he replies matter-of-factly.

“You know what I mean.”

“I don’t. The fact that you stole your sister’s fiancé kind of trumps that don’t you think? And for the record, you are not and never will be my type.”

This right here is another one of those moments. Each one of them breathes a little life back into my soul.

She clutches her non-existent pearls, feigning innocence. “I can’t be blamed for him not being happy with her.”

“That is still no excuse for what you did.”

She shrugs. “I have no problems sleeping at night.”

“You’re a piece of work. ”

“I know your relationship is fake, Spencer,” she snaps. “So you can lose the high and mighty act.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Nothing about my relationship with your sister is an act. In the beginning, maybe, but it didn’t take long for Delilah to capture my heart.”

And there it is, my hat trick for the evening.

“Yeah right. Good one.”

“I don’t care what you believe, Abigail .” He speaks her name with such disdain. “This may be hard for you to hear, but I love your sister and one day I’m going to make her my wife.”

She lets out an audible gasp as she glances at me over her shoulder through narrowed eyes. When she storms away in a huff a few seconds later, I know my good deed is soon forgotten.

I’m suddenly the bad guy again.

“Are you okay?” Spencer asks, stepping up to me and wrapping me in his arms. “I told you to wait for me. I panicked when I couldn’t find you.”

“I’m fine, but don’t let your mother hear you talk like that,” I say, making him chuckle. “She’ll start planning our wedding.”

“What was all that about?”

“Abigail’s pregnant.”

“And you gave her the file. Why?”

“Because she’s pretty sure Kayne isn’t the father. She’s going to use his infidelities to break up with him … to save face.”

“Unbelievable.”

“I know.”

“You want to get out of here?” he asks. “I’ve had enough of these people for one night.”

“Soon,” I say. “Can we go back inside for a bit … I ha ve a feeling that Kayne’s karma train is about to pull into the station.”

“You think she’s going to call him out here … tonight?”

“I wouldn’t put it past her. She’ll draw more sympathy if she does it with an audience. She thrives on playing the victim.”

“I’ve noticed.”